“Say 30 days out from the wedding, if you cancel, it’s nonrefundable, 60 days out of you cancel, it may be 50% refundable,” said Kate Miller, Wedding Planner, Kate Miller Events.

Even though this contract says no refunds, attorney Crystal Caldwell Virtue says under California case law, (Kuish v. Smith case and the restatement of contracts), if the vendor rebooks the date and recoups their money, you should be able to get your money back.

“The law would say that he was unjustly enriched to be paid twice for the same thing,” said Caldwell Virtue with Caldwell Legal.

Power’s Mansion Inn owner, Alfred Lee, pictured here on his web site, admitted he booked another wedding but says he “had to cut the price by 50%” and is just “breaking even, if not losing a little bit…”

He also admitted he’s having financial problems and “spent the money.”

“I feel very frustrated,” said Carolynn.

Carolynn and Jonnie were hoping they could at least apply that money toward another event there, like a birthday party, but the owner is refusing.

“I’m the little guy, I feel like I’m fighting goliath,” said Jonnie.

They are now considering small claims court but if the owner of the mansion can prove he lost money, the attorney we spoke with, said they may lose the case.

So how can you avoid this? Wedding planner Kate Miller says you can buy wedding insurance. For example, if a bride or groom is in the military and they get deployed, it might be a good idea to get insurance should you have to cancel.